Dana Point Council Awards New City Phone System and Adds Crime-Stoppers

The Dana Point City Council discussed everything from stamping out crime to upgrading the city’s telephone system on Tuesday night.

Among the discussions, the City Council announced it will be implementing a new non-profit organization that will work directly with the city’s law enforcement, the public and the media. The goal of the organization, O.C Crime Stoppers, is to make the community a safer place for residents.

The organization is set up for the public to call or text in tips anonymously so that citizens with information can aid in arrests. The OCCS is in the process of updating its technology to ensure better access for the public. A smartphone application is in the works and will be up and running soon. All tips are anonymous, however, anyone who gives information that leads to an arrest can be rewarded with up to $1,000.

To date, the organization has made 28 arrests in 19 other Southern California cities. Advertisements for O.C Crime Stoppers will be running in the next few months. If you’d like more information visit the website at occrimestoppers.org or call 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

The City Council also voted on the general municipal election on Nov. 6 to fill two City Council seats. Current Mayor Lara Anderson has termed out, meaning she can no longer run for another term. It was decided that the item would be passed when all council members voted, therefore calling for an election in November.

The council also discussed the contract for a new city telephone system. The current Voice Over IP phone system for the city is being replaced as those who use it feel it is old, costly and the software it uses doesn’t leverage with current technology. City Councilmembers chose Shortel phone systems as it is said to have superior disaster resistance and will last longer than the current phones.

The City Council also:

• Issued Dr. Grover of Dana Point, the O.C Fire Authority Lifesaving Award. Grover helped perform CPR and resuscitate his tennis partner who had collapsed on Jan. 6.
• Commended and recognized three members of the Youth Board for their services.
• Recognized the Southern Orange County Veterans Center in Mission Viejo for its continued aid in readjustment to service men and women after they return from overseas.
• Received an award of gratitude from Dana Hills High School’s men’s water polo and swimming team for its continued support of its program.

 Tuesday's meeting was held in honor of former Councilman John Chaffetz, who died on May 22, after he lost his battle with colon cancer. 

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., July 17, at Dana Point City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern St.